Philadelphia City Council in 2024
Council's Legislative Pace Picks Up in '24
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council saw a surge in legislative activity in 2024, with 273 bills introduced - two more than last year. Zoning dominated the agenda, accounting for 105 bills. Public-safety and business issues also gained traction, rising by 16 and 15 bills respectively from 2023. The median days from introduction to becoming law was 42, a relatively swift pace. Not all proposals were popular, however - five bills drew at least one Nay vote in the Council chambers.
The passage of several high-impact bills highlights the Council's focus on infrastructure and funding. A budget plan for next year's city spending passed with an impact score of 10/10, alongside a bill investing in city infrastructure over the next six years. These proposals come with potential drawbacks, such as increased property taxes for Philadelphia residents.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 273 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2024
Rising vs 2023: public safety (+16), business (+15), zoning (+9), transportation (+6). Declining: infrastructure (-14), procurement (-8), neighborhood (-6), leasing (-6).
Highest-impact bills of 2024
Philadelphia Homeowners to See Property Tax Hike of Up to 20% Under Proposed Council Bill Aimed at Bolstering School Funding Amid Ongoing Budget Crisis. Council Members Propose Sweeping Changes to City's Zoning Laws, Potentially Limiting New Developments in Historic Neighborhoods and Altering the City's Skyscraper Landscape.
Small business owners breathe a sigh of relief as City Council votes to ban high-stakes skill games from Philly bars and restaurants, but some argue the move may not go far enough to stop exploitation.
Philly Homeowners Bracing for Higher Property Taxes as Council Proposes Massive Increase in City Budget Spending on Infrastructure Repairs The proposed increase could lead to a substantial jump in property taxes for many Philadelphia residents, with some estimating an average hike of over $200 per year.
Philadelphia's capital budget for 2025 has been approved, allocating funds for infrastructure and public works improvements across the city. The plan includes a major boost for city spending.
A proposed change to Philadelphia's property tax code would shift more of the financial burden for local schools onto homeowners' shoulders, while simultaneously lowering the overall tax rate paid by city residents.
Most contested votes of 2024top 5 of 17
Most council roll calls are unanimous — these are the bills that split the chamber.
Most active sponsors in 2024
- Council President Johnson63 bills
- Councilmember Gauthier34 bills
- Councilmember Jones33 bills
- Councilmember Squilla32 bills
- Councilmember Young27 bills